Moon Collision Theory Notes (Year 9)

The Moon Collision Theory (also known as the Giant Impact Hypothesis) is
the most widely accepted explanation for the formation of the Moon. Here's an
overview of this theory tailored to Year 9 level understanding:
1. What is the Moon Collision Theory?
 The Moon Collision Theory suggests that the Moon was formed after a
massive collision between the Earth and a Mars-sized object, often
referred to as Theia.
 This collision occurred about 4.5 billion years ago when the Earth was
still forming in the early Solar System.
2. The Collision
 A giant impact occurred when Theia, a planet-sized object, collided with
the early Earth.
 The impact was so intense that it caused a large chunk of Earth's outer
layer (the mantle and crust) to be ejected into space.
 This debris from the collision began to orbit Earth, eventually coalescing to
form the Moon.
3. Evidence Supporting the Theory
 Composition Similarity: The rocks brought back from the Moon
(especially those collected during the Apollo missions) have similar
compositions to Earth’s mantle, suggesting they came from Earth.
 Moon's Orbit: The Moon’s orbit and its size are consistent with the idea
that it was once part of Earth’s material that was ejected after a massive
collision.
 Simulations and Computer Models: Scientists use computer models to
simulate the effects of collisions, and these models support the idea that
such a collision could result in the formation of a Moon with the observed
characteristics.

 Evidence Supporting the  Evidence Opposing the

Theory Theory
 Similar Composition: The
 Theia’s Existence: There is
rocks brought back from the Moon
no direct evidence of Theia (the
(especially Apollo samples) have a
hypothetical colliding object),
similar composition to Earth's
making it challenging to confirm its
mantle, suggesting that the Moon
existence.
was formed from Earth’s material.
 Moon's Low Iron Content:
 Moon's Orbit: The Moon’s The Moon has much less iron than
orbit around Earth, including its Earth, which some scientists
distance and tilt, aligns with the believe would not have happened
results of a giant impact scenario. if it was formed from Earth’s
mantle.
  Simulations and Models:  Too Much Energy: Some
Computer models of giant impacts argue that the amount of energy
show that a collision like the one from the impact would have
described in the theory could vaporized too much material,
explain the current size, possibly preventing the Moon from
composition, and orbit of the Moon. forming.
 Alternative Theories:
 Isotopic Evidence: Isotopic Other theories, such as the Co-
ratios in Earth and Moon rocks are formation Theory or Capture
almost identical, suggesting that Theory, propose different
the Moon was formed from Earth's mechanisms for the Moon’s origin,
material. which challenge the Giant Impact
Hypothesis.
 Moon’s Lack of Volatiles:
 Angular Momentum: The
Some argue that the Moon’s lack of
current Earth-Moon system's
volatile compounds (such as water)
angular momentum fits with the
might not be fully explained by the
model of a giant impact.
giant impact theory.

4. How the Moon Formed

 After the collision, the debris from the Earth and Theia slowly came
together due to gravity. This material started to form a ring of debris
around Earth.
 Over time, the debris clumped together, cooled down, and eventually
formed the Moon.
5. Why is the Moon so Special?
 The Moon is unusually large relative to Earth. It is about 1/4th the size of
Earth, which makes it unique compared to other moons in the solar
system.
 The Moon's size and orbit play an important role in stabilizing Earth’s tilt
and climate.
6. Other Theories
While the Moon Collision Theory is the most accepted, there are other theories
about the Moon’s formation, including:
 Co-formation Theory: Suggests that the Moon and Earth formed
together as a double system from the same cloud of gas and dust.
 Capture Theory: Suggests the Moon was formed elsewhere in the solar
system and was captured by Earth’s gravity.
 Fission Theory: Suggests the Moon was once part of Earth but was
separated due to rapid spinning.
7. Impact of the Collision
 Earth’s Tilt: The collision might have caused Earth’s axis to tilt. This tilt is
important because it causes the seasons on Earth.
  Formation of the Moon: The Moon formed as a result of the debris from
the collision, and it is now in a stable orbit around Earth.
 Tidal Locking: Over millions of years, the gravitational interaction
between Earth and the Moon caused the Moon’s rotation to slow down,
leading to the same side of the Moon always facing Earth (this is called
tidal locking).
8. Summary of Key Points
 The Moon Collision Theory states that the Moon formed from debris
ejected when a Mars-sized object, Theia, collided with the early Earth.
 This collision happened about 4.5 billion years ago.
 Evidence includes the similar composition of Earth and Moon rocks and the
Moon’s orbit around Earth.
 The theory helps explain the Moon’s size, orbit, and Earth’s tilt.
This theory is an important part of understanding both the history of our Solar
System and the formation of Earth and its Moon.